Paramount TV Studios: New Leadership & Restructuring

Paramount TV Studios has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team under the direction of its new chief, Matt Thunell. This move comes amidst sweeping layoffs across the company, a consequence of the ongoing integration following Paramount’s merger with Skydance. The reorganization aims to consolidate various production entities into a singular, revitalized Paramount Television Studios.

Matt Thunell’s Vision for a Unified Paramount Television Studios

In a detailed memo to staff, Matt Thunell outlined his strategic vision for the newly formed Paramount Television Studios. Having taken the helm of the merged division—which combines Skydance Television, Showtime, and MTV Entertainment Studios—Thunell’s mandate is to foster greater collaboration, streamline decision-making processes, and drive growth. This new iteration of Paramount Television Studios effectively revives the original Paramount TV arm, which had previously ceased operations. Thunell acknowledged the extensive changes but expressed confidence that the new structure would strengthen the studio’s operations and creative output.

Key Leadership Appointments and Departures

The restructuring initiated by Matt Thunell involves a series of critical appointments and some notable departures, designed to align the leadership with the studio’s new operational model. These changes span various departments, from physical production to corporate functions and creative oversight.

Production Leadership

• Drew Brown, previously EVP, Physical Production for Skydance, has been appointed as the new PTVS Head of Production, reporting directly to Matt Thunell. Brown brings extensive experience, having been instrumental in major shows like “Reacher” and having led production at AMC Studios for series such as “The Walking Dead.”
• Keri Flint, EVP and Head of Global Production for MTVE/Showtime, will be departing the company after more than two decades of service.

Creative Development and Current Programming

• Shelley Zimmerman will continue in her role as EVP, Head of Development, and Carolyn Harris will remain as EVP, Head of Current. Both will continue to report to Thunell, maintaining continuity in the creative pipeline.
• Keith Cox, President of MTVE Studios & Showtime, will continue to oversee the extensive “Taylorverse” lineup of shows, reporting to Thunell. Cox has been a key figure in the success of these popular series.

Corporate Functions Integration

To foster deeper collaboration between the television studio and Paramount Pictures, several corporate leaders are expanding their roles to encompass Paramount Television Studios in addition to their existing responsibilities.

• Courtney Armstrong (COO), Mark Badagliacca (CFO), Talia Robinson (EVP Human Resources), and Brooke Robertson (EVP Global Communications & Media Relations) will now extend their purviews across both divisions.
• Dawn Lach, formerly SVP, Global Communications & Publicity for Skydance TV, will transition to PTVS, reporting to Brooke Robertson.

Business and Legal Affairs

The Business Affairs and Legal Affairs departments will now operate as distinct groups under new leadership.

• Virginia Lazalde McPherson, who has a strong background from Showtime and YouTube Originals, will lead as the new Head of Business Affairs.
• Lance McPherson will transition from his previous dual role to focus solely on legal efforts as EVP, Legal Affairs for the studio.
• Jeff Hegedus, EVP, TV Business & Legal Affairs for Skydance, will be stepping down from his role.

Financial Management

The finance department sees new leadership aimed at enhancing strategic financial oversight.

• Mel Rauch, previously VP of EMEA Content Finance & Strategy at Netflix, joins the team as Head of Finance.
• Arturo Reyes, formerly EVP and Global Head of Production Finance at Skydance, will assume the role of Head of Production Finance for PTVS, reporting to Mel Rauch.
• Candice Brancazio, CFO for Paramount Media Networks, Showtime & MTVE, and Matt Hengemuhle, SVP, FP&A, will be exiting their roles, with Matt Hengemuhle moving to a new remit within the Direct to Consumer business.

Talent and Casting

A strategic adjustment in talent and casting aims to create a more seamless experience for on-screen talent working across both television and features.

• Trevor Rose, EVP, Head of Global Talent and Content Development for Showtime/MTVE, will move to a leadership position within Paramount’s TV Media group.
• Tricia Wood, EVP, Casting for Paramount Pictures, will expand her responsibilities to also oversee casting for PTVS.

Nickelodeon Live-Action and Awesomeness

Changes are also occurring within the divisions dedicated to younger audiences.

• Shauna Phelan, EVP, Head of Live Action Series, Films & Talent for Nickelodeon and Awesomeness TV, will be stepping down. However, discussions are underway for her to potentially work with the studio as a producer on key titles. The studio remains committed to producing high-quality content for kids, teens, and families, leveraging its existing intellectual property and fostering new ideas.

Looking Ahead

Matt Thunell’s formation of this new leadership team for Paramount Television Studios is a clear indicator of the company’s commitment to adapting to the evolving media landscape. The comprehensive changes, while involving significant transitions for many individuals, are presented as a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency, foster collaboration across previously disparate units, and ultimately drive the studio’s growth in a highly competitive industry. The integration process is expected to continue with a focus on creative and business strategy under the guidance of this new team.